Barrels of beer events in Scotland this winter

It’s safe to say that in recent times, beer in Scotland has undergone an exciting revolution. Today, you’ll find operations of all shapes and sizes can be found across Scotland, producing a range of tantalising beers, ales and stouts. After the flood of summer food and drink festivals, and even beyond the now internationally-celebrated Oktoberfest, our nationwide passion for beer continues to be showcased in a variety of quirky ways in the darkest months of the year.

November kicked off with a thirst-quenching celebration at Glasgow Beer Week, rather generously running from the 1– 9 November. Both seasoned beer drinkers and curious newcomers could enjoy a range of events such as craft beer festivals, films and tasting sessions held in watering holes, eateries and breweries across Scotland’s largest city.

WEST Brewery has hosted events during Glasgow Beer Week and will present ‘The Opera Wintry Show’ in December

You can also expand your culinary horizons during Glasgow Beer Week. Burger Meats Bun and Hippo, an award-winning Glasgow-based beer service, have worked collaboratively to offer special burger and beer pairings. If you prefer porter to port, your taste buds might be tempted by the slightly more unusual combination of beer and cheese which is being served up tonight (Thursday 7 November) at the city’s Siempre Bicycle Cafe.

If that’s whet your appetite, next Wednesday (13 November) you can join Midlothian-based Stewart Brewing for ‘beer dinner’ at Bia Bistrot in Edinburgh. The banqueting evening will be packed with Scottish delicacies, such as Inverlochy vintage smoked salmon and Isle of Mull blue cheese. Enjoy dinner with the experts and get their take on flavour combinations, including Stewart’s signature brew Edinburgh Gold paired with coley and spiced chickpea and a dessert of macaroon accompanied by Coconut Porter.

Or, if for you beer is something enjoyed best at the weekend, head over to Summerhall in Edinburgh from 15 – 17 November. Unwind with a couple of cold ones during the three days of beer festival fun, hosted by Barney’s Beers, in one of the capital’s premier arts venues. Featuring UK and International guest beers, as well as the beers brewed on site by Barney himself, the event will centre on hoppy delights along with a good helping of music and hearty, German-inspired fare.

Barney’s Beers have created a rather handy flowchart to help you choose your favourite beer flavours during the November festival

For those who like their beer served with a bit of culture, why not check out WEST Brewery’s unique offering of The Opera Wintry Show in December. Yes, that’s right, opera in a brewery. Joined by cast members from Scottish Opera, the evening is set to be an ‘operatic taster platter’ of some of entertaining arias and moving ensembles, all performed in the stunning setting of the Templeton building, a former carpet factory on Glasgow Green.